A 5-1 week gets me back on track just in time for some tough calls in Week 5 of the Colonial League season, particularly with the weather adding to the equation.

A 16-8 overall mark isn't anything to brag about, but Bangor, Catasauqua and Pen Argyl have a lot of work to do before they can boast about 5-0 records entering divisional play.

Bangor hosts Wilson (1-3), which played Pen Argyl tough last week in pristine conditions. However, I fear sloppy conditions may hurt the Warriors' passing game. We'll see. Maybe the defensive backs will be the ones struggling.

On with the picks:

Saucon Valley at Catasauqua: Rain or not, I wasn't expecting a lot of scoring here. Should be a grind-it-out game, the Rough Riders' first of the season after four mercy-rule games. The Panthers, led by coach Matt Evancho (at left), are coming off their first win and should stay in this one thanks to their defense. Catasauqua 21-13.

Pen Argyl at Southern Lehigh: The Spartans, coming off their first win of the season, must find a way to run the ball against the Green Knights in order to put the passing game in a favorable light. That will be tough to do. Any turnovers would be costly in this one. Pen Argyl 13-7.

Wilson at Bangor: The Slaters have done just enough to get by so far this season. They have the league's top rusher in Phil Vass and a pretty good defense. It should be enough for at least another week: Bangor 14-12.

Notre-Dame-GP at Northwestern: The Tigers' underclassmen have proven to be fighters. The same can be said for the Crusaders, who have really been bit by injuries. It has hurt them on the offensive side of the ball. Maybe, first score wins. Notre Dame 7-0.

Northern Lehigh at Salisbury: The Bulldogs need to get right entering the North Division portion of their schedule. They should win here against a rebuilding, reworking Falcons club. The question will be how well will they play. Northern Lehigh 27-7.

Palmerton at Palisades: The Pirates, for the second time this season, put together an impressive performance. The question is: Can they do it two weeks in a row, this time against the youthful Blue Bombers. Palisades 35-12.

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Morning Call Sports Reporters Stephen Miller and Tom Housenick blog about high school and college sports action on and off the field in and around the Lehigh Valley, only at themorningcall.com.

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TOM HOUSENICK watches every move Lehigh’s C.J. McCollum makes on the court, laughs at every joke by Lafayette coach Fran O’Hanlon and watches all the Divisions II and III coaches and players do it for the love of the game. Basketball makes the cold weather season go by fast. Already can’t wait for late February and early March when each possession could result in a season ending or continuing on.

Wrapping up his ninth year at The Morning Call, STEPHEN MILLER is back for year No. 4 on the LVC football beat. He chronicled Central Catholic's state-championship run in 2010, watched Nazareth win its first LVC title in 2011 and saw the league crown tri-champions for the first time in 2012. He has also covered the Phillies, college football and a variety of prep sports while with The Morning Call. To stay updated on the 2013 LVC football season, check out the Varsity blog and follow him on Twitter @mcall_smiller.